An Obstacle is a type of Challenges in exploration scenarios. Obstacles cannot Move on their turns or be seen from adjacent unblocked regions.

Obstacles block region exits. As such, they are considered to occupy regions on both sides of the exit. When an Obstacle is defeated (commonly through damage or Lockpick), it no longer blocks the exit. Sometimes other Challenges can move freely through Obstacles; the scenario design will specify when this is the case.

Some Obstacles have the Persist keyword, which grants them seperate EP totals (and defeated statuses) for each entity. Such Obstacles recover their EP to full for a given entity whenever that entity successfully Moves into another region, even if it was defeated for that entity. In order to play an Action against a Persisting Obstacle, an entity must attempt to Move through the blocked exit; this results in an immediate play of an Action. This does not cost the Action Phase, may occur out of turn, and may be attempted multiple times per round (so long as Move options exist). If the Obstacle is defeated, the attacking entity passes through the exit (and may continue movement if Speed remains). If the Obstacle is not defeated, the Move is canceled regardless of Speed.

Some Obstacles have the Climbing keyword; such Obstacles generally also Persist. Climbing Obstacles have Height values associated with them, which add falling damage and other properties. See the linked pages for more information.

If an Obstacle has a Lock entry, it can be instantly defeated by a PC who wins an opposed roll with a Lockpick entry. Such Obstacles rarely Persist, but if one does, it would only be considered defeated for the PC who wins the Lockpick roll.

Obstacles ignore rules for illumination and visibility, though targets may still suffer penalties if they cannot see the Obstacle.

Obstacles ignore water & swimming rules.

Obstacles start with a 0 in each Stat Track.

An Obstacle that Persists is worth 1 PC of equal level. An Obstacle that does not Persist is worth half a PC of equal level.

See also: Creature, Environ, Seeker, Trap, Player's Guide Chapter 5: Exploration, DM's Guide Chapter 3: Running Scenarios